Mundy Township board votes down contract idea with sheriff - ABC 12 – WJRT – Flint, MI

(11/12/12) - An idea that could've saved Mundy Township $1 million was shot down at a board meeting Monday night.

It would have meant a big change up in their police department, and that didn't sit well with a lot of residents.

The idea was to contract the township police department with the sheriff department. While it would have saved some cash, residents came out in full force opposing the idea.

It was standing room only at Monday night's Mundy Township board meeting.

"We would ask that they hire and require, they hire all our officers, that's a negotiating issue," said David Guigear, Mundy Township supervisor.

But there are a lot unknowns, like what this would mean for wages, seniority and response times

"As a resident I think we need to look at this and throw the sheriff contract to the side," said Todd Gilbert, Mundy Township resident.

The board does not have a budget deficit, but the supervisor wants to make sure that never becomes an issue. But some residents say you can't put a price on local safety.

"Not only are they paid to protect us, they want to protect us, we're their friends, we're their neighbors," Chris Fechter said, Mundy Township resident.

The board voted against this seven to zero.